In collaboration with the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the World Federation of Tourist Guides Associations (WTFGA), the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) has announced the commencement of its training program for tour guides; the comprehensive training program aims to develop the skills of tour guides in the Kingdom and ensure that they have the highest standards of quality so that they can perform their job in the best possible manner.The first phase of the five-week program, held between the 22nd of September and 15th of October, will provide the necessary training and guidance skills for 100 tour guides, and includes the option of improving individual practical skills through a specified training program. The second phase of the program, under the theme of "Train the Trainer", will target 12 participants and run between the 15th and 22nd of October; aiming to focus on preparing the mentors with the required abilities to develop other trainers that wish to enhance their training skills and gain accreditation from the UNWTO.“Hosting the training program comes as part of the BTEA’s strategy to develop the Kingdom’s tourism sector, shifting this vibrant sector to be one of the main contributors to the national economy and the Kingdom’s 2030 Economic Vision,” said the Director of Facilities and Tourism Services at the BTEA, Hesham Al Saken.“Through this initiative, we aim to increase the number of tour guides in the Kingdom to 200 in order to meet market needs. By having well-qualified tour guides, we aim to further promote the Kingdom as the ideal tourist destination,” he commented.“We are working in close cooperation with various local and international bodies in order to attract visitors from around the world, aiming to enhance not only the experience of tourists visiting; but also increase their overall length of stay further benefiting the Kingdom’s tourism sector,” he added.

The BTEA strives to strengthen relations on a local and international level, drawing on international expertise in order to launch initiatives that contribute to the development of the Kingdom’s tourism sector.